Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

This is a notice of upcoming events, photo opportunities and story ideas at UMass Lowell, compiled by the Office of University Relations, 978-934-3224. In case of inclement weather, call UMass Lowell’s weather hotline at 978-934-2121; if the university is closed, all events are canceled. For more stories about UMass Lowell, visit www.uml.edu and click on “Media” at the top of the page. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.

When: Exhibit runs through Thursday, Dec. 19 at Dugan and University galleries. Dugan Gallery hours for the show are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and evenings by appointment. University Gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday, 12:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m.

What: This free, public show will bring together UMass Lowell seniors from the Bachelor of Fine Arts program who will display and discuss the artwork they have created in a variety of media through their coursework. It will be on exhibit at both galleries on campus.

What: UMass Lowell men’s basketball team will soar into NCAA Division I play and christen the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell’s new Kennedy Family Court with a game against Duquesne University’s Dukes. As part of Youth Sports Day, local youth teams will receive complimentary tickets to the game when they register by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 by contacting Kristen_Calvetti@uml.edu. The contest is the first of five home games the River Hawks men’s and women’s basketball teams will pay at the Tsongas Center this season. Tickets are available through the Tsongas Center box office, www.TsongasCenter.com or by calling 866-722-8780. UMass Lowell students with a valid ID get in for free.

What: The third annual “Pucks and Paws Night” welcomes man’s best friend to the best game on ice. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the River Hawks’ hockey game against the Clarkson Golden Knights. Pet owners may purchase seats in the arena’s Section 110 for $15 and $5 for their dogs, which will enter the arena through a special doggie door. All dog-ticket proceeds will go to support the Lowell Humane Society, which will showcase pets up for adoption during the night. Pet owners are required to purchase tickets in advance by calling 978-934-5751 and must provide proof their dogs have up-to-date vaccinations. Season ticket-holders may exchange tickets for their usual seats for seats in Section 110 at no charge with the purchase of a $5 dog ticket. Hydration and waste-management stations will be provided for pets. Dogs in attendance must be on a non-retractable leash and have current tags. Tickets are available through the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell box office, www.TsongasCenter.com or by calling 866-722-8780.

What: The defending Hockey East champion River Hawks will play an outdoor game at “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” during the 2014 Citi Frozen Fenway. The team will face off against Northeastern University’s Huskies at 3 p.m. The contest will be followed by a second Hockey East game at 6:30 p.m. between the Maine Black Bears and Boston University Terriers. Tickets in the River Hawks’ fan section – which start at $20 and are valid for both match-ups – are available by calling 877-733-7699 or through http://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/frozenfenway.jsp. UMass Lowell fans will be seated along the first base line. Before the puck drops, fans will meet at Oliver’s at the Cask and Flagon on Brookline Avenue, where they may purchase official River Hawk Frozen Fenway fan gear.

What: Those interested in learning about UMass Lowell’s graduate, continuing-education and online programs will attend an open house that will introduced them to the university’s 39 master’s, 33 doctoral and more than 70 graduate certificate programs. New doctoral offerings include programs in global studies and criminal justice and criminology; new master’s programs are available in peace and conflict studies, autism studies, and innovation and technical entrepreneurship. Faculty program coordinators and continuing-education support specialists will be available to discuss part-time degree and certificate programs, online courses and project management seminars. Graduate admissions, registrar’s office and financial aid staff will be available to answer questions. Attendees may register for classes on site. UMass Lowell’s programs are nationally accredited. Many are available on campus, online or in a blended format.

What: The UMass Lowell String Project, comprised of 88 Lowell schoolchildren ages 8 to 18, will present a free concert for the public. Three ensembles featuring students playing violin, viola and cello, as well as the UMass Lowell Youth Orchestra will perform during the Winter Showcase. The String Project, directed by John-Morgan Bush of the UMass Lowell Music Department, provides instrumental music lessons to Lowell public school students with master teacher Donna Nagle and UMass Lowell student teachers. Through the support of UMass Lowell and 2013-2014 season sponsor Johnson String Instrument of Newton, the project plays an integral role in local arts culture and music education for children. Free parking is available.